The Original Craft Beer Club Reviews Review (Updated | May 3rd)
Selecting a craft beer subscription requires evaluating curation quality, brewery partnerships, and shipping reliability. This review of The Original Craft Beer Club examines the service’s commitment to independent microbreweries and the diversity of styles included in monthly shipments. This guide serves enthusiasts seeking authentic small-batch selections and gift-givers looking for a consistent delivery experience. It provides the necessary details to determine if this specific club aligns with individual taste preferences and budget requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Choose the Malty Bavarian Classic for beginners who want an authentic flavor and a durable reusable glass carboy.
- The Bold Cascade Hops is the ideal selection for enthusiasts seeking a punchy, hop-forward craft beer experience.
- Prioritize kits with glass carboys over plastic to ensure better sanitation and a longer-lasting home brewing setup.
- Look for USA-sourced ingredients to guarantee the freshness and quality of your first batch of craft ale.
Craft A Brew Oktoberfest Ale Beer Making Kit
Malty Bavarian Classic
- The reusable glass carboy is much better than plastic alternatives.
- Produces a very authentic, malty Bavarian-style ale flavor.
- The instructions are incredibly easy for absolute beginners to follow.
- BEST FOR MALTY BAVARIAN CLASSIC: Craft A Brew Oktoberfest Ale Beer Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR BOLD CASCADE HOPS: Craft A Brew Single Hop IPA Cascade Beer Making Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CRISP LAGER FINISH: Craft A Brew Light Craft Lager Beer Making Kit Read More ↓
Product Comparison: The Original Craft Beer Club Reviews
Craft A Brew Oktoberfest Ale Beer Making Kit
If you have ever sat at a pub wishing you could recreate that malty, traditional German flavor at home, this Oktoberfest Ale kit is your ticket to Bavaria. It is a fantastic entry point for anyone curious about the hobby because it includes a reusable glass carboy and all the essential hardware, so you aren’t just buying a one-off gimmick.
The flavor profile is spot on for the style, leaning into those caramel sweetness notes and a clean, dry finish that feels authentic. I think this is the perfect gift for the guy who loves a full-bodied marzen but wants to see the ‘magic’ behind the scenes.
It really simplifies the process with a clear Guide to Craft Brewing that takes the intimidation factor out of the equation. However, you need to be patient; while the brewing is fun, the fermentation and carbonation cycle takes several weeks, which can be a bit of a buzzkill if you were hoping to drink it by the weekend.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The reusable glass carboy is much better than plastic alternatives.
- Produces a very authentic, malty Bavarian-style ale flavor.
- The instructions are incredibly easy for absolute beginners to follow.
- Includes high-quality ingredients sourced and packed in the USA.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The waiting period for carbonation requires a lot of patience.
- You will need to source your own empty pry-off bottles.
Craft A Brew Single Hop IPA Cascade Beer Making Kit
For the hop-heads who live for a crisp, floral finish, this Single Hop IPA kit featuring Cascade hops is a total blast. This isn’t one of those overly complex recipes that requires a chemistry degree; it’s a straightforward 1-gallon starter kit that focuses on the piney and herbal notes that made West Coast IPAs famous.
It is the ideal choice for someone who lives in an apartment or has limited kitchen space because the compact equipment fits right on a countertop. You get to see the whole process from grain to glass, which makes that first sip feel earned.
The quality of the hand-assembled ingredients from Orlando really shines through in the final aroma. The only real headache is the cleaning process; sanitizing every single piece of equipment is meticulous work, and if you cut corners even slightly, you risk spoiling the entire batch with off-flavors.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Cascade hops provide a classic, spicy and floral aromatic profile.
- Small 1-gallon size is perfect for small kitchens and apartments.
- The kit is fully reusable for future different beer recipes.
- Teaches the fundamental science of brewing in a fun way.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Sanitizing the small parts is time-consuming and tedious.
- Yields only about 10 bottles after weeks of brewing work.
Craft A Brew Light Craft Lager Beer Making Kit
If you have ever sat at a bar and wondered if you could actually make a decent pint yourself, this Craft A Brew Light Lager Kit is the perfect entry point. I love that it focuses on a crisp, biscuity pilsner-style malt rather than some overly complex IPA that hides mistakes.
It is designed specifically for the first-timer, coming with a one-gallon glass carboy and a very clear Guide to Craft Brewing that walks you through the chemistry without being boring. It is a fantastic gift for someone who wants a new hobby but does not have the space for a massive garage setup.
You get those subtle floral and spice notes from the hops that make it taste much better than a standard store-bought light beer. However, you should know that you don’t get bottles or a capper in this box.
You will need to save some swing-top bottles or buy a capping tool separately before your brew day is done.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The glass carboy is high quality and easy to sanitize.
- Instructions are written in plain English for absolute beginners.
- The pilsner malts produce a very clean and drinkable lager.
- Compact size fits perfectly in small apartment kitchens.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Does not include bottles or a capping tool for finishing.
- The one-gallon yield only fills about ten standard bottles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which kit is best for someone who prefers a classic, easy-drinking beer?
The Craft A Brew Light Lager is the best choice for those who want a crisp, biscuity finish without heavy bitterness. Keep in mind that lager yeasts often require cooler, more stable fermentation temperatures than ales to achieve that clean profile. It is a great entry point for beginners who aren’t yet fans of heavy hops.
How does the Craft A Brew Oktoberfest Ale differ from a traditional German lager?
While traditional Oktoberfest beers are lagers, this kit uses an ale yeast to make the process easier for home brewers without specialized refrigeration. You still get the signature caramel sweetness and malty body of a Marzen, but with a much faster turnaround time. It’s perfect for those who want that Bavarian flavor without a months-long aging process.
Is the Craft A Brew Single Hop IPA suitable for people who dislike very bitter beers?
The Cascade hops in this kit provide a classic balance of pine and citrus, but as an IPA, it does have a pronounced bitter finish. If you are sensitive to bitterness, you might prefer the Light Lager or the Oktoberfest Ale instead. This kit is specifically designed to showcase the nuances of a single hop variety, making it an excellent educational tool for aspiring hop-heads.
What equipment will I need to provide myself when using these kits?
While these kits include the fermentation jug and specialty ingredients, you will typically need to provide a large stockpot (at least 2 gallons) for the boil and a way to bottle the finished beer. You’ll also need about 10-12 empty, non-twist-off glass bottles and a capping tool. Don’t forget that thorough sanitization of your own kitchen tools is the most critical step for success.
How much beer does a standard 1-gallon kit actually produce?
A 1-gallon kit generally yields about nine to ten 12-ounce bottles of beer after accounting for the sediment left at the bottom of the jug. This smaller scale is ideal for apartment dwellers or beginners because it fits on a standard kitchen stove and doesn’t require heavy lifting. It allows you to experiment with different styles like the Single Hop IPA without committing to a massive 5-gallon batch.
What is the most common mistake beginners make with these home brew kits?
The biggest pitfall is failing to control the fermentation temperature, which can lead to ‘off’ flavors like fruitiness or alcohol heat. Try to find a dark, cool spot in your home that stays between 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit consistently. Also, resist the urge to open the jug too often; oxygen is the enemy of your beer once fermentation has begun.
How long does the entire process take from brew day to drinking?
You should plan for a roughly four-week timeline: one day for brewing, two weeks for fermentation in the jug, and another two weeks for bottle conditioning. The bottle conditioning phase is vital because it’s when the yeast consumes added sugar to create natural carbonation. Drinking it too early will result in flat, sweet beer that hasn’t reached its full flavor potential.
